For now he is assessed on plans and words but come February 6, when England confront Scotland at Murrayfield, it will be all about deeds and results.

‘At the moment we are on honeymoon,’ said Jones. ‘Everything is nice and everyone is nice to each other. If you’ve been married longer than 20 years, you know a honeymoon doesn’t last. Married life is tough. You’ve got to try to make your marriage work and we’ll make this marriage work.

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‘When I stand up in the team room for the first time, everyone is nodding and saying, “Yes, yes”. Of course they are. But I know we’ll have our differences. We’ll work it out and find a way to make the team successful.’

England’s abbreviated build-up to the opener has seen Jones waste no time in summoning expert help. On Monday, Jonny Wilkinson came in to work with the kickers. ‘He wants to show he is still better than them,’ said Jones.

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On Tuesday, notoriously tough former Bath hooker Graham Dawe provided tuition and yesterday the guest of honour was George Smith, Wasps’ former Australia openside who was asked to aid England’s quest to improve their breakdown efficiency.

Having benefited from Wilkinson’s input, George Ford and Owen Farrell will form a 10-12 axis against Scotland and both have made a strong early impression on Jones. ‘The initiative they have shown in driving how we want to attack is as good as I have seen from players around the world,’ he said.

So how do England want to attack? With Ford at No 10, they have the capacity to play an expansive game, though conditions at Murrayfield and an emphasis on initial pragmatism may militate against that.

Jones said: ‘Every time you attack there is a risk involved. If you want to play like the old Stoke City then that is the safest way to play. Stick the ball in the air, chase hard and get everyone to clap. If you’re not a strong side you can guarantee a close game.

‘In soccer, teams which have done really well by playing high balls are teams that minimise the amount of time the ball is in play. It makes sense — minimise the time the ball is in play and it minimises the time the other team have to score.

‘Rugby is the same. Every time you run with the ball or pass you are taking a greater risk than if you kick. So it is developing the belief and confidence to run with the ball and look after it properly. We don’t want to be reckless, but we don’t want to be like an old Stoke City either. I know they are different now!’

With nine days until the Calcutta Cup showdown, there were some gentle mind games between the coaches. Jones said: ‘The advantage Scotland have is massive. They have to carry that pressure of favouritism, which is probably something they are not used to.’

Vern Cotter, the Kiwi in charge of Scotland, retorted: ‘I am not quite sure how Eddie works. It’s just a psychological lever that he is trying to use to take the pressure off himself. I wouldn’t think England would need that. I thought they would be comfortable with the favourites tag.’

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